# Plain Language Summary: Black Vulture Relief Act of 2024

Black vultures are causing real problems for farmers and ranchers across the country. These birds attack and kill livestock like cattle, sheep, and goats, sometimes causing serious injuries or death to the animals. Currently, federal law protects black vultures under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which means farmers can't legally kill them even when they're actively destroying their herds. This bill changes that by giving livestock producers and their employees permission to kill black vultures that are threatening their animals, without needing special permits or licenses.

The bill is pretty straightforward about who can take action and what they need to do. Any farmer or rancher, or someone working for them, can now kill a black vulture if they believe it's causing or about to cause harm to their livestock. They don't need to wait for permission or prove the bird has already attacked—they just need a reasonable belief that it will. The only requirement is that anyone who kills a black vulture has to report it to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service once a year, using a simple form that the agency will create. The government has six months to develop this reporting form, and they're required to keep it no more complicated than other similar wildlife reporting forms already in use.

This bill essentially removes a legal barrier that's been frustrating farmers for years. Instead of having to watch their animals get attacked and being unable to do anything about it, producers now have a legal tool to protect their livestock. The reporting requirement lets the government track how many vultures are being taken and where, which helps with wildlife management. For most people, this won't affect daily life, but for farmers and ranchers dealing with black vulture problems, it's a significant change that gives them back control over protecting their herds.

Black Vulture Relief Act of 2024

Rose, John W.

Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 This bill allows livestock producers and their employees to take certain actions against black vultures to protect livestock. (Black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.) Specifically, livestock producers and their employees may (1) take (i.e., capture, kill, disperse, or transport) a black vulture that they reasonably believe will cause death, injury, or destruction to livestock; or (2) in the course of taking or attempting to take the black vulture, cause injury to the bird. Livestock producers and their employees must submit an annual report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on black vultures taken under this bill. The FWS must make this reporting form available on its website. Currently, the FWS has a permit process under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for the taking of black vultures.